I have a God-given vision that our parish exists to evangelize by guiding people to know, love, and follow Jesus. I dream that our mission includes making mature, intentional disciples who are empowered by the Holy Spirit. I also dream that we will become an equipping place for mission and ministry where all people grow in faith, noticing the nourishment that is given when we worship God in community, and balancing spiritual growth with social responsibility. It is my strident hope that we recognize the potential within our parish and see intentional planning as a chance to embrace God’s vision for us. While we value what we have, change can lead us to a deeper journey of faith and trust in the Lord.

Building on a blessed foundation 
Our parish has been extremely blessed to have had four priests since 2017 – three of whom who are currently under 45 years old! As a result, we have been quite insulated from what’s happening in the archdiocese more broadly – the decline in priest numbers. This decline has meant some difficult decisions have been needed in many other parishes, and I write to you now to explain that it’s something we all now need to face as we move forward with hope.

What’s changing? 
Here’s a summary of the information we need to consider:

• Having reached 75 years old by the end of 2024, Fr Joseph will transition into retirement but has indicated his desire to continue assisting for another 12 months – for which we are deeply appreciative.
• We are grateful to welcome Fr Terry Nueva, a semi-retired priest from Brisbane, who will focus on aged care alongside Fr Joseph. While they may support ministries like reconciliation and weekday Masses, they won’t be available for weekend Masses outside the retirement villages at Little Mountain and Currimundi, which fund a full-time priest-chaplain. We appreciate their commitment during this transition.
• We need to consider our pastoral strategy in the Notre Dame College community, which opens in January 2025, and which will eventually have 1850 students (approximately 1300 families). To connect with this community we plan to celebrate a weekly Sunday Mass in a more missionary key – aiming to connect with young families.
• An important aspect to consider as we move forward, however, is that active priests are only permitted to celebrate up to 3 weekend Masses – this is a diocesan standard, and obviously includes vigil Masses.

What about lay-led liturgies? 
In considering all this as a matter of priority, I have been in conversation with Archbishop Mark regarding the possibility of lay-led liturgies with Holy Communion for those communities without Mass on a Sunday. In the case of parishes where driving time between Mass communities is significant, the archbishop generally grants this permission. I have been informed, however, that due to the close proximity (less than 20 minutes’ drive in our case) of neighbouring Mass communities in our parish, permission will not be granted.

Summing up to this point: 

• We will have 2 full-time priests in the parish from January 2025.
• Fr Terry will be exclusively responsible for retirement village ministry, assisted by Fr Joseph in retirement.
• Our Mass capability: 2 Saturday vigil Masses, and 4 Sunday Masses – one of which will be celebrated at Notre Dame College.

Next week I will provide you with some more information about how to participate in the consultation process regarding these changes. In the meantime, I would ask that you prayerfully consider the decisions that must be made in our parish.

Peace be with you at this time.

Fr Josh and the Senior Leadership Team